8 speed is recommended for touring because the chain is wider and both the chain and cassette block should last longer. Which shifters are the best for running an 8 speed Shimano drivetrain? Here are the Shimano SL-M748 shifters.

Features

• 8 speed
• Rapidfire
• SIS
• Aluminium housing
• Gear indicator
• Adjustable tension

Shimano

Wind touching the skin, sunlight streaming through the trees and wave patterns covering the water excite the hearts of people. We are aiming to become a company to create excitements among people. So say Shimano about themselves.

A zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio with magnification of 11.1x

Features

• Zoom lock switch
• Compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
• Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) provides the equivalent of a shutter speed 3.5 stops* faster
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) adopted
• Two focus modes M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus)
• Focal length 18-200mm
• Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6, Minimum aperture f/22-36
• Lens construction 16 elements in 12 groups (with two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements)
• Picture angle 76°-8°
• Closest focusing distance 0.5 m/1.6 ft.
• Maximum reproduction ratio 0.22x
• Filter/attachment size 72mm
• Diameter x length (extension from lens mount) 77 x 96.5 mm/3.0 x 3.8 in.
• Weight 565 g/19.9 oz.
• Supplied accessories 72mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-72, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Bayonet Hood HB-35, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1018

Nikon

Are one of the most famous camera manufacturers known for their high end products as well as products accessible to a wider market. A Japanese company specializing in optics and imaging products, with a history dating back to World War II.

A quick blast on the Canyon mountain bikes website reveals this mad machine - the Canyon Dude - a kind of fatbike, hardtail mountain bike with suspension forks. The pure use case is ragging around everywhere and anywhere with an emphasis on horrible, wet, muddy UK conditions.

Feature highlights

• Schwalbe Jumbo Jim 4.0" tyres
• Shimano SLX 10 speed shifters
• Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus rear mech
• Carbon fibre fatbike frame
• Specialist DT Swiss BR 2250 fatbike wheels
• Also available in a version with a carbon fork instead of a suspension fork

This bike defies conventions. On first glance it looks like a fairly standard hardtail. With the fatbike pedigree it looks very chuckable and opens up many new options to explore riding styles.

Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Named for its fold-out cardboard viewer, the platform is intended as a low-cost system to encourage interest and development in VR. To use the platform, users run Cardboard-compatible applications on their phone, place the phone into the back of the viewer, and view content through the lenses.

Play Games

VR Games are steadily increasingly available in the app store. Combined with a bluetooth controller a low cost gaming experience can be had offering an introduction to the world of VR. If you like horror you might want to try Insidious VR

QUECHUA Forclaz 22 Air Day travel Backpack

Quechua are the budget option but usually well made and good value for money. Designed for day hiking in all weather (hot, rainy, etc.). Weight is distributed between the shoulder straps and belt. It features a ventilated back, belt, water bladder (not included) and mesh pockets and a rain cover. A decent budget option. more

Osprey Daylite Daypack

A daypack for a fast hike, trail running or city walking. Osprey are a more upmarket option and you pay for quality construction and customer service. more

Shimano XTR back in 2007 used to be highest end version of Shimano mountain bike drivetrain products.

The question I had was should I used XT or XTR for a touring drivetrain? XTR was the more expensive higher end product. However, XT had a reputation for reliability and still worked well.

Features:

• Speeds: 9
• Long Cage
• Weight: 237 grams
• SIS rear derailleur
• Direct mount
• Centeron G pulley.
• Shimano model RD-M952.

Not worth it for touring

The Shimano XTR derailleur lasted for around 10000 km before I replaced it with an XT rear derailleur. The noticeable difference in performance between the XTR and XT derailleurs was negligible.

MSR DragonFly Stove

The MSR DragonFly Stove is a multi fuel stove which can burn any liquid fuel including diesel.

Feature / benefits

• Dual-valve for precision, simmer-to-boil control.
• Extra Wide Pot Supports - hold up to 10" maximum diameter pots or fry pans for group cooking.
• Multi-Fuel: Burns white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto fuel, diesel, and jet fuel for versatility.
• Compact: Folds to 1/3 of its working size for easy storage.
• Efficient: Suspended burner cup enables the stove to burn hot and strong while reducing heat lost to the ground.
• Field Maintainable: Shaker Jet™ technology and smart engineering allow complete cleaning and maintenance in the field.

I used this stove cycle touring through Eurasia. It worked well even with poor quality fuel. The wind shield disintegrated with use.

The Ultimate choice for travellers when heel clearance is an issue. The lower mounting point of bags improves the centre of gravity and also optimises he use of upper loading area. This design also facilitates mounting on smaller frames. Since bags are mounted further aft, they permit more heel clearance.

My description

The rack features bent and welded lightweight steel tubing. It has sliding adjustment for back and forth positioning. There are supporting struts that bolt onto the frame rack eyelets or you can use a frame adaptor kit if your frame doesn’t have fixtures. It has a robust feel to it and the craftsmanship in the product is clear to see. It takes 2 panniers clipped to the side and something strapped on the top.

Mobile phone cases are important as phones are expensive and can be susceptible to getting damaged in daily use. There are many options available to buy online but having tried a couple of cheap versions out I found them less than suitable. I came across the Lifedge product range and approached them to ask if I could test out their rugged mobile phone case.

Tech specs

• 100% waterproof and dustproof to IP68 (Tested in 2m of water for 30 minutes)
• Shockproof
• Reinforced protective architecture
• Access all iPhone functions you need to explore outdoors including in-case charging
• Exceptional sound transmission and call clarity
• Ultra-compact case for everyday use

How I used it

I was given a Lifedge iPhone 5 Mobile Phone Case to test and review by Lifedge whilst doing my Bajada project - a trek from source to sea of a dry fluvial system in the Sierra Maria mountains in Andalucia, Spain (a Joya - Arté + Ecología project). I wanted a protective mobile phone case as I planned to use my phone to take photos and tweet my location. The soil in the Barranco and Rambla (river basin) was often dry and fine. I wanted something to protect from dust and sand.

Technical details

• Intended Use: Mountain
• 32 or 36 Hole
• 6-Bolt Disc Compatible
• J-Bend Spoke Type
• 135mm Rear Hub Spacing
• Claimed Weight-495g
• Non-Drive Side Center To Flange: 31.0mm
• Drive Side Center To Flange: 18.0mm
• Drive Side Flange Diameter: 60.0mm
• Non-Drive Side Flange Diameter: 60.0mm

#Product description

Shimano Deore XT M756A rear hubs feature double contact seals and and super polished bearing races for low friction rolling. The Shimano Deore XT M756A is Shimano/SRAM 9/10 speed compatible and has 135mm wide rear spacing. Build up your wheels with either the 32 or 36 hole version.